Mikaela Shiffrin didn’t have the start she hoped for at the FIS Ski World Cup. The season’s first event, held in Sölden on November 13, had spectators eagerly hoping their fan-favorite athlete would inch closer to history. A victory there would have brought her tally to 98, just two shy of the coveted 100. Alas, it was not meant to be in the Austrian city.

The skier ended up finishing fifth after leading most of the race because of numerous errors. With the top spot up for grabs, it was Italy’s Federica Brigone who took the honor, finishing the race in 2:16:05, followed by Alice Robinson from New Zealand, who missed out on the top spot by 0.17 seconds. But now Mikaela Shiffrin will have a chance to redeem herself in one of her most favorite venues in Levi, Finland. The course is widely known for the prize it gives to the winners of its race.

Learn about Finland’s Reindeer tradition ahead of the Levi Ski World Cup

Reindeers are a big part of Finland’s culture. The herding of the animals is one of the country’s oldest jobs. This is why when the FIS Ski World Cup arrives at this destination, the winner is awarded a reindeer so that they can take home a part of their culture. It is a huge honor to receive the animal, as they hold quite a large significance in Finnish heritage.

Many Scandinavian historical texts contain mentions of reindeers as a symbol of spirituality. Reindeer races are also held in the country, with the first one dating back to 1932. This sport is very similar to horse racing. They are also used as meat, transportation, and clothing.

Receiving the prize reindeer is a significant honor for the winner of the FIS Ski World Cup race. However, the reward is largely symbolic. The reindeer remains at the Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm after being awarded to ensure it receives proper care. Skiers lead hectic lives and cannot devote the time needed to care for the animal, so, for its well-being, it stays in its home country. Nevertheless, receiving a national symbol as a trophy is still a remarkable prize. One athlete, in particular, has dominated this race in Finland in recent years and has been presented with numerous reindeer as a result.

Mikaela Shiffrin’s unstoppable connection to Finland’s Reindeer tradition

Mikaela Shiffrin is the most dominant skier to step foot in Levi, Finland. She has won seven reindeer in that tournament and could very well go for her eight this year. The skier is very fond of the animals too and has named each one of them. Rudolph is the name of the first one she won, which came from the famous Christmas Carol.

After that came Sven, Mr. Gru, Ingemar, Sunny, and Lorax. After winning the tournament last year, she named the reindeer she received as Grogu, the name of the famous Baby Yoda from the Mandalorian. Clearly, Mikaela loves her animals just as much as she adores cultural references.

If she manages to win the race this year, she will win her eight reindeer, which could help the skier complete a full sleigh. This would definitely be a sight to witness for all skiing fans. Thus, let’s hope that she moves on from the unfortunate defeat in Solden to create history in the FIS Ski World Cup Levi event and win the eight reindeer.